What does an ammeter measure?

An ammeter is a specific instrument designed to measure the amount of electric current flowing through a circuit, expressed in amperes. When connected in series with the circuit component whose current is to be measured, the ammeter captures the flow of electrons, providing an accurate reading of the current level.

Understanding the other options helps clarify the scope of an ammeter's function. For instance, measuring voltage across a circuit pertains to voltmeters, which gauge the electric potential difference between two points. Resistance is assessed by ohmmeters, which measure how much a circuit resists the flow of electric current. Capacitance, on the other hand, involves measuring the ability of a component to store electrical energy in an electric field, typically done with capacitors and capacitance meters. Each of these measuring tools serves a distinct purpose based on the electrical property being analyzed, which underlines the specialized role of an ammeter in current measurement.